What does the gospel have to say about marriage and family life? Is Paul a chauvinist? Are wives supposed to submit? We are hitting all the buzzwords this week as we seek a Christian understanding of marriage and family.

The apostle Paul gets very practical as he continues to unpack what it means to be clothed in the riches of this mystery, " Christ in you, the hope of glory ", as we continue to live our lives not only as individuals but also in the community.

Paul begins a deep, practical dive into the Christian life of the Churchgoer and the Church. Since our "old self" is already shed, but not yet dead, he gives us some pointers on living our lives practically for Christ. And yes, it includes our sexuality...

Once we've grasped what we have in Jesus Christ, how practical does that get externally? And how deep does it go internally? Paul gives us a robust description of the Christian life post-conversation.

It isn't in our own creativity or strength that we conjure up vision for ourselves or our community for the upcoming year. It is in looking up, beholding our God, and receiving his invitation for us this year.

Remembering God’s faithfulness isn’t just about reflecting on all the ways he has delivered you and where things are all buttoned up. We reflect on his faithfulness even (and perhaps especially) in the areas that aren’t yet buttoned up. We reflect on his faithfulness because of the desperate circumstances we’re in today.

The in-between, uncomfortable, waiting reality of Advent is the plan. As we stare death in the face (which we Americans do not like to do), we can take great joy, peace, thanksgiving and consolation knowing that in this little baby God has prepared the antidote for death for all people who believe in him.

In the New Testament, all of God's people are called to ministry. The question then isn't, "Are you called?" Rather the question is are you listening? Are you paying attention? Like Mary, are you allowing the Advent of our Lord to disrupt your life, creating space to reflect on what He has done with fresh wonder and awe, so that you might likewise hear and respond, "Here am I, Lord."

In the midst of the height of the Roman empire, God quietly dropped into humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. But he didn't keep it quiet. He made his grand announcement to a group of lowly shepherds. And in doing so, he made clear the priorities of this new Upside Down Kingdom that we're all invited into.

As God's people, we are not called to do first, we are called to look upon what God has done. Only after beholding what God has done are we invited to do. This week we contemplate Joseph's darkest day turned into an invitation to partner with God's grand plan.